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The Peace Arch border crossing has been shut down due to a police incident. (DriveBC)

The Peace Arch border crossing was closed in both directions Friday after border guards detained an Ontario man who claimed to have explosives in his car.

The man arrived at the Douglas port of entry around 6 p.m. PT and "stated there were explosives in his vehicle," said Bernee Bolton, director of communications for the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

"The CBSA takes all threats to the health and safety very seriously and takes immediate and appropriate action when faced with a potential risk," wrote Bolton in a news release Saturday.

The man was detained under the Customs Act and Surrey RCMP were called to investigate.

A search revealed no explosives.

Three hours later, at around 9 p.m. PT, the vehicle was declared safe and the border crossing re-opened.

The incident caused about four hours of traffic congestion and diversion.